SHOPPERS will get a taste of sun, sea and sand in Bolton on Saturday. The town centre will be transformed in a Bolton By The Sea fun day in Victoria Square.

The square will be a summer oasis with a sandpit play area and people will able to get their teeth into Bolton's own rock.

A magician will entertain shoppers and children - who can also have their faces painted and have fun in a ball park.

New for this year's event, following the success of last year's seaside fun day, are clowns, jugglers and stilt-walkers.

There will also be four Punch and Judy show performances in Bolton Market Hall. African dancers, a steel band and the DBBC Radio Roadshow will provide musical entertainment.

Bolton Community College will offer arts and crafts activities including watercolour painting, ceramics, photography and an introduction to interior design.

The local branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be holding its annual flag day. Children can take a look at a lifeboat as the RNLI promotes beach safety through fun activities.

The event, which lasts from 10am to 4pm, has been organised by the Bolton Town Centre Company in conjunction with Bolton Market Hall.

Town Centre manager Cathy Savage said: "We hope this year's event will be a success with good weather and plenty of visitors.

"Last year's seaside event was very popular and this time we have much more on offer. We are aiming to attract more visitors into the town centre, providing entertainment while people shop. It should be a great day out for families."